Susceptibility to infection

What are infections?

Viruses and bacteria from our environment, such as from public transport, schools or kindergartens, can cause diseases in the body. After an infection with a certain pathogen (e.g. the measles virus), the immune system forms so-called antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that constantly circulate in the blood and alert the immune system to foreign pathogens. In the case of a previous infection, thanks to these antibodies, the immune system can recognize the invading pathogens more quickly and fight them more effectively, so that there is no renewed infection with this pathogen.

In adulthood, the immune system has already dealt with countless infections and thus formed antibodies against a wide variety of pathogens. In childhood, on the other hand, the immune system is still immature and is trained through contact with the multitude of viruses and bacteria from the environment, especially in kindergarten. That is why children are often ill.

When should susceptibility to infection be considered?

The distinction between a normal course of infection and a conspicuous susceptibility to infection is difficult to make and depends on many factors. A cluster of infections in a specific organ such. B. with frequent sinus infections, can be caused by a narrow nasal passage and does not have to indicate a susceptibility to infection.

If there are more than about 8 infections per year in infancy (more than 5 in adults), which are often severe and are caused by the same pathogen or usually harmless pathogens, an immune deficiency may be involved.

Symptoms of susceptibility to infection

The following symptoms, among others, can indicate a susceptibility to infection:

• Significantly frequent infections (adults approx. 5/year, children approx. 8/year).
• The infections take a severe course.
• Infections often do not heal properly.
• The infections are usually caused by harmless pathogens (that is, pathogens that do not cause disease in healthy people).
• The infections appear in unusual places (such as a severe skin infection after a small wound).

Causes of susceptibility to infection

Various causes lead to susceptibility to infection:

• Congenital immunodeficiency: This is a malfunction of the immune system so that the body can no longer adequately defend itself against new infections (e.g. the immune system cannot produce functioning antibodies).
• HIV/AIDS: Fortunately, an HIV infection has become rare in Germany, but it must still be taken into account in the case of a susceptibility to infection.
• Chronic diseases: Diabetes mellitus, cancer or organ transplants can impair the immune system and promote the increased occurrence of new infections.
• Drug therapies: e.g. B. antibiotics, chemotherapy or regular cortisone intake lead to an immune deficiency.
• Unhealthy lifestyle: Factors such as B. chronic stress, lack of sleep, unbalanced diet, smoking, increased alcohol and drug consumption and lack of exercise can negatively affect the immune system.

diagnosis of susceptibility to infection

To narrow down the underlying cause, the doctor may ask you the following questions:

• How many infections have you or your child gone through in the past year?
• How long did it take for the infections to heal?
• Have you or your child received all the vaccinations recommended by the STIKO?
• Have the infections increased in a specific organ (e.g. frequent middle ear infections)?
• Are there any medications that are taken regularly?
• Do you smoke or is your child exposed to tobacco smoke?
• Are there any previous illnesses known?
• Is there an HIV infection?

If there is still uncertainty about the possible cause of the susceptibility to infection, laboratory tests should be carried out.

When to seek help if you are prone to infection

You should consult a doctor if you or your child:

• frequently recurring infectious diseases occur
• high fever is present
• the infectious diseases do not heal despite taking antibiotics
• an immune deficiency is known in the family
• your child is underdeveloped compared to their peers

You can do this yourself if you are prone to infection

Measures to strengthen the immune system include:

• Vaccinations: They strengthen the immune system and protect against many infectious diseases
• Smoking and alcohol renunciation
• enough sleep
• a balanced diet: A healthy diet for adults consists of approx. 30% fat, 50% carbohydrates, 0.8 g protein per kg body weight (e.g. for a person weighing 80 kg 80 × 0.8 = 64 g per day) and at least 30 g/day fiber. In general, vegetables, fruits, fish, and high-fiber products (e.g., whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, nuts, and seeds) are good for the body.
• regular exercise
• careful oral and dental hygiene
• Regular fever measurement to detect infections early
• Weight reduction in overweight
• avoid stress
• Ventilate the apartment sufficiently and watch out for mold growth

Treatment options for susceptibility to infection

If a clear cause for the susceptibility to infection is identified by the treating doctor, there are proven therapy methods that can be individually adapted and initiated by the doctor. The effectiveness of herbal and homeopathic remedies for strengthening the immune system has been examined in very few studies and showed very different results. Therefore, these preparations should be avoided or only used in addition to more proven therapy methods.

This is how Med-Healths can help with susceptibility to infections

What is meant by susceptibility to infection? Are there any warning signs that indicate an immune system disorder? What is the best way to strengthen the immune system? What vaccinations should you or your child receive? What side effects should one expect? With these and other questions, the doctors at Med-Healths can help you and your child, give you comprehensive advice or, if necessary, refer you to another specialist or to the immunodeficiency center.